Give the ego back to the Overself and then the Overself will use it as it should be used—in harmony with the cosmic laws of being. This means that the welfare of all others in contact with the ego will be considered as well as the ego's own.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27348 – 14.22.2.49

BN – Z – D

When these wonderful inspirations come on him, when the Overself draws him inward to involvement in its glorious being, even his physical gait, movement, and activity are affected by the change. They become quite relaxed, slowed down and very leisurely. It is as if time is no longer as important as it ordinarily seems. Yet if the intellect protests against the change, the intuition replies that the higher power will take care of the real duties.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27349 – 14.22.2.50

BN – ZZ

His behaviour is spontaneous, but not through mere impulse nor through unused intellect. It is the spontaneity, the forthrightness of an inspired man who knows where he is going and what he is doing, who is directly guided in his relations with other men by a higher will than his own ego's.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27350 – 14.22.2.51

BA11 – ZZZ – D

When the Overself’s will is the motivating power in his life, all strain and all effort to act rightly cease.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27351 – 14.22.2.52

BN – Z – D

When the ego is displaced and the Overself is using him, there will be no need and no freedom to choose between two alternatives in regard to actions. Only a single course will present itself, directly and unwaveringly, as the right one.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27352 – 14.22.2.53

BSG_5 – ZZZ – DK1

His activity as a merely selfish person comes to an end; his activity as a divinely inspired one begins. It is a transformation from "works of the flesh" to "fruits of the spirit" in the Bible's phrase.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27353 – 14.22.2.54

BN – X – K1

To gain such an inspiration in all its untarnished purity, his egoism must be totally lost and absorbed in the experience.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27354 – 14.22.2.55

BN – Z – K1

He has to penetrate to the inner workings of the mind, to discover where the spark of contact with the Overself is glowing, and with that find that a finer being, a nobler outlook, and a collaboration with the World-Idea can be created.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27355 – 14.22.2.56

BN – Z – K

Inspired action becomes possible when, to speak in spatial metaphors, every deed receives its necessary and temporary attention within the foreground of the mind whilst the Overself holds the permanent attention of the man within the background of his mind.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27356 – 14.22.2.57

BSG_4 – ZZZ – DK1

As the consciousness of the Overself seeps into him, the power of the Overself expresses through him.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27357 – 14.22.2.58

BN – ZZ – DK

He has access to infinite wisdom and infinite support in every situation and under every given circumstance. But he has it only so far as he submits the ego to the higher self.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27359 – 14.22.2.60

BN – Z – D

The next characteristic of the inspired life is that it is an effortless one. No striving in any direction is necessary. Neither the weight of external compulsion nor the pressure of interior desires is ever again felt. He acts with the lightest touch.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27360 – 14.22.2.61

BN – Z

The wise man lets the Overself's presence flow through his life, never blocks it by his ego nor turns it aside by his passions.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27362 – 14.22.2.63

BA11 – P – D

The ego can no longer foresee what will happen to the outer course of its personal life when the Overself takes the lead, nor can it dictate what that course should be.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27363 – 14.22.2.64

BN – ZZ – D

With all his humility before the Overself, he will bear himself among his fellow human beings with serene self-assurance and speak with firm conviction of that which he knows.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27364 – 14.22.2.65

BN – ZZ – D

When these experiences increase and multiply to such an extent that they accumulate into a large body of evidence, he will become convinced that some power is somehow using him as a beneficent channel. It is the real originator of these experiences, the real bestower of these blessings, the real illuminator of these other people. What is this power? Despite its seeming otherness, its apparent separateness, it is really his own higher self.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27365 – 14.22.2.66

BN – ZZ

Only when we act in and from the Overself can we really be said to act aright, for only then shall our deeds be wise and virtuous, most beneficial in the ultimate sense both to our own self and to others.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27366 – 14.22.2.67

BN – Z – D

What the ego thinks and feels and does is to reflect the Overself's dominion. The ego itself is now to be subsidiary. Every thought or feeling or act is to be a dedicated one, every place where it finds itself a consecrated one.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27367 – 14.22.2.68

BN – X – D

The Overself is not merely a transient intellectual abstraction but rather an eternal presence. For those who have awakened to the consciousness of this presence, there is always available its mysterious power and sublime inspiration.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27368 – 14.22.2.69

BN – Z – D

It is the divine moment; no longer does speech come forth humanly nor action individually: the god within has taken over.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27369 – 14.22.2.70

BN – Z

At some mysterious moment a higher power takes possession of him, dictates his thoughts, words, and acts. Sometimes he is amazed by them, by their difference from what he would normally have thought, spoken, or done.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27370 – 14.22.2.71

BN – ZZ – D

The unfoldment of intuitive action, intuitive thinking, and intuitive feeling means that the Overself and the personality are then in accord and working together. The little circle of the ego then lies within the larger circle of the Overself, in harmony and in co-operation. It does not matter then whether a man lives as a monk or as a householder, whether he is engaged in the world's activity, or whether he is in retirement. Of course, such a condition is not attained without a full and deep transformation of the man. It is necessary to point out that the mere removal of thoughts by itself is not enough and could only give an illusory illumination and the kind of peace which one feels after a dreamless sleep—passive, but not positive.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27371E – 14.22.2.72

BN – X – DEK

He must look forward hopefully to the day when he can actually feel the higher self present within all his activity. It will reign in his inner world and thus be the real doer of his actions, not the ego in the outer world.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27372 – 14.22.2.73

BN – Z – D

There are times when the Overself accepts no resistance, when it acts with such compelling force that the man is unable to disobey. But such happenings are special ones.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27374 – 14.22.2.75

BN – ZZ – D

Some self other than his familiar one will rise up within him, some force—ennobling, masterful, and divine—will control him.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27375 – 14.22.2.76

BN – Z – D

When a man's consciousness, outlook, and character are so exalted as this is, altruistic duty becomes not a burden to be carried irksomely but a part of his path of self-fulfilment from which he would not wish to be spared.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27376 – 14.22.2.77

BN – ZZ – D

There is a strange feeling that not he but somebody else is living and talking in the same body. It is somebody nobler and wiser than his own ego.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27377 – 14.22.2.78

BN – Z – D

The feeling of being possessed for a while by a holy other-worldly presence comes over him.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27378 – 14.22.2.79

BN – Z

He is now under the influence, and later may be under the control, of a superior power.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27379 – 14.22.2.80

BN – Z

He becomes a vessel, filled from time to time with a spiritual presence.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27380 – 14.22.2.81

BN – Z

His words, his feeling, and his actions will then not only be expressions of his human self but also of that self united indissolubly with his divine self.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > As act of Overself

#27381 – 14.22.2.82

BN – Z

Whoever finds his Overself and draws from it the will and desire to serve others, will radiate joy, confidence, and peace to them.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Its power and limitations

#27382 – 14.22.2.83

BA11 – P – D

From that high source of inspiration may come great actions, immense inner strength, superb artistic creativity, and a beautiful, delicate inner equilibrium.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Its power and limitations

#27383 – 14.22.2.84

B_09 – P – D

What inspired artist ever creates a new work except in joy? Is this not a clue to the fact that the inspirational or best level of his mind is a happy one?

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Its power and limitations

#27384 – 14.22.2.85

BN – ZZ

He lives in the sunny light of his own inspired thoughts.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Its power and limitations

#27385 – 14.22.2.86

BN – Z

Even the best of men are subject to the peculiarities of their temperament, to the form of their individuality; and even if they always seek to stay upon the level of inspiration they cannot help expressing the channel through which the inspiration has to come, which is a human channel subject to human limitations.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Its power and limitations

#27386 – 14.22.2.87

BN – Z

Regardless of the fears and dreads, the hesitancies and timidities of the lower ego, he must carry out whatever his newly found commander bids him do. But this will not be so hard and unpleasant a task as it might seem to others. For he will now feel at least the same satisfaction in yielding to the higher self's bidding that he formerly felt in yielding to the lower one's desires. And with the bidding will come the needed strength, courage, and wisdom to obey it. The world's opposition and danger may be recognized but will not deter him. It is not by his own will that he engages himself in such work, but by a will that supports and guides him better than ever he could support or guide himself. This he clearly comprehends and gladly accepts.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Its power and limitations

#27388 – 14.22.2.89

BN – ZZZ – DEK

It is a mistake to believe that to find the Overself is to find eternal monotony and boredom. On the contrary, it holds out the promise of life more abundant—of joy, happiness, and satisfaction physically as well as spiritually.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Its power and limitations

#27389 – 14.22.2.90

BN – X – D

He will be an inspired man in his labours of spiritual service or artistic expression. He will be aware that a power greater than his own is working through him and affecting others. And he will know that this power comes from the secret God within himself.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Its power and limitations

#27391 – 14.22.2.92

BN – ZZ – D

So immense is the security which the Overself enfolds him with that he will not hesitate to take chances which prudence, caution, discretion, or fear would never take. But he will do so only if the Overself guides him to.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Its power and limitations

#27392 – 14.22.2.93

BN – ZZZ – D

The wonder and joy of finding himself to be a channel of blessing, teaching, healing peace, and uplift to others will increase as the results themselves increase.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Its power and limitations

#27394 – 14.22.2.95

BN – ZZ – D

The inspiration may be made manifest in a production, so that others may have the chance to feel its reflection; but there can be no guarantee that they will do so.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Its power and limitations

#27395 – 14.22.2.96

BN – ZZZ – K

The forces of heredity and the dominion of environment would appear to be the overwhelming impulsions of a man's actions. But let the Soul arise in its masterful urgency, and they vanish!

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Its power and limitations

#27398 – 14.22.2.99

BN – X – D

Such is the power of true inspiration that it lifts men to the plane of hero in action, genius in art, or master in renunciation.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Its power and limitations

#27400 – 14.22.2.101

BN – Z

The truth is that the source of man's inspiration is always there, but his awareness of it is intermittent.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Its power and limitations

#27402 – 14.22.2.103

BN – Z – D

Most of us cannot turn on the tap of inspiration at will, cannot put Pegasus between the shafts. Often we deceive ourselves and imagine the presence of inspiration when it is really absent. The works we do then are our humble own, not fiery gifts from heaven.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Its power and limitations

#27403 – 14.22.2.104

BN – Z

Through whatever medium he uses—artistic or not, physical form or silent thought—his inspiration will be transmitted, his perception of truth disseminated.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Its power and limitations

#27404 – 14.22.2.105

BN – ZZ

The intensity of his awareness will measure the degree of his influence.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Its power and limitations

#27405 – 14.22.2.106

BN – Z

Work done under the Overself's inspiration can never be tedious but will always be satisfying.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Its power and limitations

#27407 – 14.22.2.108

BN – ZZ – D

To do something really worthwhile, to become creative and constructive in an inspired way, aware of the Overself, is to become godlike. We then fulfil the purpose of human existence on Earth.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Its power and limitations

#27408 – 14.22.2.109

B_01 – ZZZ – DK

Whoever keeps this divine flame burning brightly within his heart, radiates the spirit of his purpose to all whom he contacts.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Its power and limitations

#27409 – 14.22.2.110

BN – ZZ – D

Where do such feelings come from? Certainly not from his ordinary self. They come from his higher self.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Its power and limitations

#27410 – 14.22.2.111

BN – Z

Inspired work will always bear the glow of inner life.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Its power and limitations

#27411 – 14.22.2.112

BN – ZZ

The Overself is not merely a pleasant feeling—although it arouses such a feeling—but a veritable force. When it possesses a man, he is literally and actually gripped by a dynamic energy. A creative power henceforth pervades his atmosphere, enters his deeds, permeates his mind and charges his words, and runs through his history.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Its power and limitations

#27412 – 14.22.2.113

BN – ZZ – D

At this stage he feels its presence as being very active and very real: he is not alone.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Its power and limitations

#27413 – 14.22.2.114

BN – Z

Brahms explained his method of finding inspiration as beginning with a pondering on lofty universal spiritual truths which led him into a deeper dreamlike semi-trance condition. After this prelude he felt inspired with the ideas for his work.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > Examples, anecdotes

#27414 – 14.22.2.115

BN – X – D

The feeling of some presence inside his heart will become so powerful at intervals, so real and so intense, that he will quite naturally enter into conversation with it. He will implore it, pray to it, express love for it, and worship it. And he will find that it will answer him in words, the sentences forming themselves spontaneously within his mind as speech without sound. It will give him pertinent didactic instruction—often at unexpected moments—and formulate higher points of view.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27421 – 14.22.2.122

BN – ZZ – DK

Interior Word. When he succeeds in penetrating the still depths of his being, another mind will appear to superimpose itself on his own, directing, teaching, and inspiring him. It will speak to him out of the silence within himself yet it will not be his own voice. Its tone will be friendly, and when he becomes familiar with it he will know it to be none other than the voice of the Holy Spirit, the word of the Higher Self.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27422 – 14.22.2.123

BN – Z – D

As the interior word delivers its message to him day by day, as he advances in understanding through receiving it and in character by obeying it, he will have the best evidence that this quest which he first tried as an experiment is becoming a priceless experience.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27423 – 14.22.2.124

BN – Z – D

It is the soul speaking truth to the intellect out of its larger range of life. Its voice is best and easiest heard when the consciousness is turned inward away from the sense-existence and brought as near to stillness as we can make it.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27424 – 14.22.2.125

BN – Z – D

Interior Word. It speaks not through uttered words clairaudiently heard as in spiritistic phenomena but through the higher form of spontaneous intuitively formulated thoughts.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27425 – 14.22.2.126

BN – Z

A voice comes to his hearing but not with the ordinary kind of audibility. It is within him for it is only a mental voice yet it speaks with a strange authority. It says to him, "I am the Way, the Truth, the Life."

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27426 – 14.22.2.127

BN – Z – D

Interior Word: Something within begins to speak to him, some mind begins to find its own expression. It is his, and yet not his.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27427 – 14.22.2.128

BN – Z

The Overself issues its commands and exacts its demands in the utter silence and privacy of a man's heart. Yet they are more powerful and more imperious in the end than any which issue from the noisy bustling world.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27428 – 14.22.2.129

BN – X – D

He may count himself fortunate if he comes under the tutelage of the Interior Word. But his good fortune will last only as long as he faithfully obeys it. The failure to do so will bring painful but educative retribution.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27429 – 14.22.2.130

BN – Z – D

It is as if no one existed but these two—the listening mind and the soundless voice. This is real solitude; this is the true cloister to which a man may retire in order to find God; this is the desert, cave, or mountain where, mentally, he renounces the world's business and abandons friends, family, and all humanity.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27430 – 14.22.2.131

BN – Z

The phenomenon of the Interior Word does not ordinarily appear before one is able to carry the mind to a certain depth or intensity of concentration, and to hold it there continuously for not less than about a half hour.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27432 – 14.22.2.133

BN – X – D

It is as if another being spoke inside me—not with audible voice but with mental voice—and imposed itself strongly on my own mind.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27435 – 14.22.2.136

BN – ZZ

Until the internal Word speaks in him he is really incapable of helping others spiritually. He may be able to do so intellectually or to comfort them emotionally but that is a different and inferior thing.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27437 – 14.22.2.138

BN – Z

If the Interior Word bids him move in any direction which seems encompassed by difficulties or blocked by obstacles so that he can see no way before him, let him not doubt or fear. A way will be made by the power of the Overself. He need only obey, relax, and trust the guidance.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27438 – 14.22.2.139

BN – Z – D

When the Inner Word begins to speak to him, he may begin to speak to others—not before. For only then will what he says bear any creative power, spiritual inspiration, enlightenment, or healing in it.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27439 – 14.22.2.140

BN – Z

The Interior Word is not heard with the reasoning mind, even though its statements may be very reasonable. It is not connected with the intellect at all, as are all our ordinary words. It is received in the heart, felt intensively and deeply.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27441 – 14.22.2.142

BN – ZZ – D

The Interior Word is never enigmatic and puzzling but always direct and simple. Only the revelations of occultism are obscure, never the revelations of truth itself.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27443 – 14.22.2.144

BN – Z

The Interior Word cannot speak frequently until there is complete silence within the man's being.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27445 – 14.22.2.146

BN – Z

The ideas which come to his mind through the Interior Word come stamped with the certitude of truth.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27446 – 14.22.2.147

BN – ZZ

Internal Word: In the New Testament, John introduces the idea of the 'logos', the Word which speaks in every man who comes into the world. Every man is not able to hear it although it is always there, always immanent.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27447 – 14.22.2.148

BN – Z

Saint Teresa defined the Interior Word thus: "The words were clearly formed and not to be mistaken though not heard by the body’s ear"

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27450 – 14.22.2.151

BSG_5 – P – D

A mystical phenomenon which may develop out of this communion with his "holy ghost" is that of inspired writings. Helpful teachings that will be addressed to humanity in general or to the few seekers in particular may come through his pen. Or guidance in his personal life and instruction in his spiritual life may be addressed to the writer himself through occasional notes. In most cases the words will be impressed spontaneously upon his mind as though telepathically received from the dictation of his unseen but much-felt other self. In some cases, however, his hand and pen may move across the paper by automatic compulsion at a high speed, his mind being forced to move as quickly. He will then distinctly feel that he is merely an instrument which is being used to produce this inspirational script.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27451 – 14.22.2.152

BN – ZZZ – K

It would be a dangerous blunder for anyone to confuse this last phenomenon [that of the writer's communion with his “holy spirit” (his higher self) which gives rise to inspired writings]with the automatic writing of spiritualism and psychism. The similarities are only external ones. For in the one case there is the clear consciousness of a divine exalting ennobling presence whereas in the other there is, at best, only a blind submission to an unknown entity, usually purporting to be another human, if discarnated, being.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27452 – 14.22.2.153

BN – Z

The words spoken by this unseen but much-felt presence are not heard by the physical ears yet they are strongly impressed upon the mind. They do not come from the spirits of deceased persons but from the holy spirit of one's own diviner self, from a deep mystical source, not a shallow "astral" one.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27453 – 14.22.2.154

BN – Z – D

What it amounts to is that the Interior Word becomes in effect the Inner Teacher and meditation itself the gateway to an inner school where instruction is regularly obtained.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27456 – 14.22.2.157

BN – Z – D

It is the great Silence, yes, but also through the Interior Word it is to us humans the ever-speaking higher Self.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27457 – 14.22.2.158

BN – Z

To hear the Voice of the Silence is to understand that from within comes the only true guidance; to go to the Hall of Learning is to enter the state in which learning becomes possible. . . . For when the disciple is ready, the Master is ready also.—Light on the Path by Mabel Collins (Interior Word)

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27458 – 14.22.2.159

BN – Z

To bring others a message which elevates them and a truth which inspires them, the Interior Word will speak through him as him. This is a wonderful phenomenon when it happens.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27462 – 14.22.2.163

BN – ZZ – D

For Interior Word draw on my own experiences in 1918 when I also heard it for many months.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27464 – 14.22.2.165

BN – Z

The Interior Word did not speak to me for myself alone, to prepare, teach, and direct me. It spoke also for others. It required me to write down its messages for them even more than for me.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27465 – 14.22.2.166

BN – ZZ

Let him humbly acknowledge that he does not have the wisdom and purity to know what is right for him to have and what is right to do. Let him turn in silent waiting to the Interior Word, and listen for it to tell him these answers.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27467 – 14.22.2.168

BN – Z – DK

When he has travelled to this stage of his journey; when he can close the door of his chamber, lie down, and listen to the Interior Voice; when the silence within becomes audible with clearly formulated instructions, then only is he ready to speak to others or write for others, and teach them. Until then he is a deaf mute, unable to hear and untrained to speak the sacred language. Now the Pentecostal power has descended on him and he is able not only to see the truth through the surrounding darkness but also to give it to those among his people who can take it.

Inspiration and the Overself > Inspiration > The Interior Word

#27468 – 14.22.2.169

BN – ZZ – D

The spiritual self, the Overself, has never been lost. What has happened is that its being has not been recognized, covered over as it is with a multitude of thoughts, desires, and egocentricities.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27469 – 14.22.3.1

BN – ZZ – DK*

The day will inexorably come when this pen shall move no more and I wish therefore to leave on record, for the benefit of those who shall come after, a sacred and solemn testimony that I know—as surely as I know that I am not this pen which scribes these lines—that a being, benign, wise, protective, and divine, whom men call the Soul, whom I call the Overself, truly exists in the hearts of all; therefore all may discover it… For the presence of man’s own innermost divinity is the guarantee that he must inescapably seek and find it.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27470E – 14.22.3.2

B_02 – ZZZ – DEK

That which he has been seeking so ardently has been within himself all the time. For there at the core of his being, hidden away underneath all the weakness, passion, pettiness, fear, and ignorance, dwells light, love, peace, and truth. The windows of his heart open on eternity, only he has kept them closed! He is as near the sacred spirit of God as he ever shall be, but he must open his eyes to see it. Man's divine estate is there deep within himself. But he must claim it.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27471E – 14.22.3.3

BA12 – P – DE

Whoever has been led into the cave of timeless life will poise his pen in a futile attempt to find words which will accurately measure this sublime experience. He rises renewed from the exquisite embrace of such a contemplation. He learns in those shining hours. That which he has been seeking so ardently has been within himself all the time. For there at the core of his being, hidden away underneath all the weakness, passion, pettiness, fear, and ignorance, dwells light, love, peace, and truth. The windows of his heart open on eternity, only he has kept them closed! He is as near the sacred spirit of God as he ever shall be, but he must open his eyes to see it. Man's divine estate is there deep within himself. But he must claim it.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27471 – 14.22.3.3

BN – Z – DEK

Repeated introspection, reflective study, and mystical meditation are needed to weaken erroneous habits and generate the inner strength.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27472E – 14.22.3.4

BSG_4 – P – DE

The other part of the answer is that the Overself is always here as man's innermost truest self. It is beginningless and endless in time. Its consciousness does not have to be developed as something new. The ever-presence of Overself means that anyone may attain it here and now. There is no inner necessity to travel anywhere or to anyone in space or to wait years in time for this to happen. Anyone, for instance, who attends carefully and earnestly to the present exposition may perhaps suddenly and easily get the first stage of insight, the lightning-flash which affords a glimpse of reality, at any moment. By that glimpse he will have been uplifted to a new dimension of being. The difficulty will consist in retaining the new perception. For ancient habits of erroneous thinking will quickly reassert themselves and overwhelm him enough to push it into the background. This is why repeated introspection, reflective study, and mystical meditation are needed to weaken those habits and generate the inner strength which can firmly hold the higher outlook against these aggressive intruders from his own past.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27472E – 14.22.3.4

BN – ZEL1/1 – DEK

Although It is at the very heart of human beings, the Overself is very far from their present level of consciousness. Nothing could be closer yet this is the supreme paradox of our existence and the strangest enigma confronting our thought.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27474 – 14.22.3.6

BN – Z – D

The Overself is implicit in all humanity but explicit only in a few solitary figures.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27475 – 14.22.3.7

BN – Z

Its golden note of harmony falls dead upon our muted ears.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27476 – 14.22.3.8

BN – Z

The Overself is not a goal to be attained but a realization of what already is. It is the inalienable possession of all conscious beings and not of a mere few. No effort is needed to get hold of the Overself, but every effort is needed to get rid of the many impediments to its recognition. We cannot take hold of it; it takes hold of us. Therefore, the last stage of this quest is an effortless one. We are led, as children by the hand, into the resplendent presence. Our weary strivings come to an abrupt end. Our lips are made shut and wordless.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27477 – 14.22.3.9

B_01 – ZZZ – DM*

No situation in human life lasts totally unchanged forever, just as no condition on the very planet which harbours that life lasts forever. It is folly to demand changelessness. And yet we do. Why? Because beneath this conscious desire for fresh experiences there is the unconscious longing for That which is the permanent core of selfhood. The stilled, one-pointed, and reverent mind may know it, the self may dissolve in it.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27478 – 14.22.3.10

BN – ZZ – DEK

We carry the divine presence with us everywhere we travel. We do not 'directly' profit by it simply because we are not directly conscious of it. The effort to arouse such awareness is a worthwhile one, bringing rich reward in its train.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27479 – 14.22.3.11

BN – Z – D

The soul is always with us but our sense of its presence is not.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27480 – 14.22.3.12

BN – Z – D

There is a spiritual element in every man. It is his essence.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27481 – 14.22.3.13

BN – X – D

Although we are divided in awareness from the higher power, we are not divided in fact from it. The divine being is immanent in each one of us. This is why there is always some good in the worst of us.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27482 – 14.22.3.14

BN – Z – DM1

Goethe: "You give me space to belong to myself yet without separating me from your own life."

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27483 – 14.22.3.15

BN – X – D

The Overself is always present but man's attention seldom is.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27484 – 14.22.3.16

BN – Z – DK

Because the soul is present deep down in each human heart, none is so depraved that he will not one day find the inward experience of it.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27485 – 14.22.3.17

BN – X – D

There is a zone of utter calm within man. It is not only there but always there. Those who suffer, fret, or are confused may doubt or deny this—understandably and pardonably.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27486 – 14.22.3.18

BN – Z – DK

It is always possible for a man to gain enlightenment anytime anywhere even though it may not be probable, for he has within himself the Light itself as an ever-present Reality. What does happen and what is probable is that some moment during the course of a lifetime a glimpse may happen, and the glimpse itself is nothing less than a testimony to that ever-presence, a witness telling him that it is true and real.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27487 – 14.22.3.19

BN – X – D

Just then, as thoughts themselves stop coming into his mind, he stops living in time and begins living in the eternal. He knows and feels his timelessness. And since all his sufferings belong to the world of passing time, of personal ego, he leaves them far behind as though they had never been. He finds himself in the heaven of a serene, infinite bliss. He learns that he could always have entered it; only his insistence on holding to the little egoistic values, his lack of thought-control, and his disobedience to the age-old advice of the Great Teachers prevented him from doing so.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27488 – 14.22.3.20

BN – Z – D

These rare moments of spontaneous spiritual exaltation, which cast all other moments in the shade and which are remembered ever after, could not have been born if that divine element into which they exalted us did not already exist within us. Its very presence in our hearts makes always possible and sometimes actual the precious feeling of a non-material sublimely happy order of being.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27489 – 14.22.3.21

BN – Z – D

It is not really a goal to be reached, nor a state to be attained, nor something new to be added to what he now has or is. But if he insists on thinking that it is any of these things, there is no other course open than to take the appropriate action, make the necessary effort, for such achievement. His labours are really self-imposed, a consequence of incorrect thought about himself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27490 – 14.22.3.22

BN – X – DEK

Is this benign state a past from which we have lapsed or a future to which we are coming? The true answer is that it is neither. This state has always been existent within us, is so now, and always will be. It is forever with us simply because it is what we really are.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27491 – 14.22.3.23

BA11 – ZZ – DK*

Just as there is a sun hidden behind the sun, the divinity which animates it, so in the human being there is a Mind within the mind—and that is his Overself; It is forever with us simply because it is what we really are.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27491M – 14.22.3.23

BSG_4 – ZZ – DXK

Is this benign state a past from which we have lapsed or a future to which we are coming? The true answer is that it is neither. This state has always been existent within us, is so now, and always will be. It is forever with us simply because it is what we really are.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27491 – 14.22.3.23

B_01 – ZZZ – DK*

If the real Self must have been present and been witness to our peaceful enjoyment of deep slumber—otherwise we would not have known that we had had such enjoyment—so, must it likewise have been present and been witness to our rambling imaginations in dream-filled sleep and to our physical activities in waking. This leads to a tremendous but inescapable conclusion. We are as near to, or as much in, the real Self, the Overself, at every moment of every day as we ever shall be. All we need is awareness of it.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27493 – 14.22.3.25

BSG_5 – P – D

A man's refusal to allow spiritually intuitive feelings to awaken in him cannot obliterate the presence of the source of those feelings. He bears that presence ever within him and one day must reconcile himself willingly, knowingly, even yearningly, with it.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27494 – 14.22.3.26

BN – Z – D

The Overself is always within call, for its hiding place is no farther than a man's heart. But if the call does not go forth, or goes forth without faith, or is not sustained with patience, the response will not come.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27495 – 14.22.3.27

BN – Z – D

God is ever present with us but we are ever turning away from him. No one is forsaken except those who look only to, and into, the ego, and even then only for a time.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27496 – 14.22.3.28

BN – Z – DEK

In one sense that world of the Overself remains always inaccessible and inexpressible, but in another sense it is as close as breathing and as palpable in the highest art forms or in the illuminated man's presence as a fragrant perfume.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27497 – 14.22.3.29

BN – Z

By his ignoring of the Overself's presence, man commits his greatest sin and shows his worst stupidity.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27498 – 14.22.3.30

BN – X – D

If God did not exist then we humans would not exist. A divine ray, atom, soul, call it what you wish, is present in each of us. Some are aware of this, others must one day come to this knowledge.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27499 – 14.22.3.31

BA11 – P – D

The Overself is always present in man's heart. If he does not receive awareness of this fact in his mind, that is because he makes no proper and sustained effort to do so.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27500 – 14.22.3.32

BN – X – D

You may be an insignificant creature in the vastness of the cosmos, but the divine life—of which that cosmos is but a channel—is in you, too. Have enough faith in your divine heritage, take it into your common everyday life and thought, and in some way, to some people, you will become very significant and important.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27501 – 14.22.3.33

BN – ZZ – DEK

We live all the time in unfailing, if unconscious, union with the Overself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27502 – 14.22.3.34

BN – X – D

Perhaps the most wonderful thing which the illuminate discovers is that his independence from the infinite life power never really existed and was only illusory, that his separation from the Overself was only an idea of the imagination and not a fact of being. Even the desire to unite with the Overself was only a dream, and consequently all lesser desires of the ego were merely dreams within a dream.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27503 – 14.22.3.35

BN – Z – DEK

I began to enter consciously into the real "I" and to comprehend by realization that it was always there, that nothing new had been found, and that this was eternal life.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27504 – 14.22.3.36

BN – Z – D

The truth is this second self—or rather the feeling of its presence—has been shut up so long, that we have come to look upon it as non-existent and to regard the rumours of its actual experience as hallucinations. This is why religion, mysticism, and philosophy have so hard a battle to fight in these times, a battle against man's inevitable incredulity.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27505 – 14.22.3.37

BN – Z – D

For centuries theologians have argued about the meaning of Jesus' declaration that the kingdom of heaven was at hand. Most of them have given it a historical interpretation. Only those who could approach the mind of Jesus have given it a mystical interpretation. For only they can see that he meant that the kingdom of the Overself is really as close to us as is our own hand. All such argument is useless when it starts from different planes of knowledge and the arguers never really meet each other.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27506 – 14.22.3.38

B_11 – P – DE

Everywhere we see people in bondage to their egos. Everywhere, too, the sage sees the Overself waiting, always present, for them to turn from themselves to It.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27507 – 14.22.3.39

BN – ZZ – DK*

The overlooked part is his consciousness; the forgotten self is his knowing power. These exist uninterruptedly, even in apparently subconscious forms like deep sleep and swoon. Yet he denies this share of his in the Real Being, identifies with the body instead of making it merely an object of awareness.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27508 – 14.22.3.40

BN – X – D

The Overself is in the heart of every man but few care to seek it out until pressure of its grace from within, or fatigue with the world-life without, drives them to do so.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27509 – 14.22.3.41

BA11 – P – D

When the divinity in his own self is found at last, he will afterwards find its light reflected upon every other man and woman he encounters.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27511 – 14.22.3.43

BN – ZZ – D

Every man is sacred did he but know it.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27512 – 14.22.3.44

BN – X – D

The godlike abides in each of us but only the master knows and feels its glory.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27514 – 14.22.3.46

BN – X – D

The mind keeps on moving about until sleep overcomes it . . . and because it never stopped to collect itself, it still does not know the higher and better part of itself—the Overself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27515 – 14.22.3.47

BN – X – D

The divine presence is constant, it does not go away: but man himself is too often absent, heedless, interested elsewhere. But each return gives him a glimpse which he calls a grace.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27516 – 14.22.3.48

BN – Z

The soul is present and active in every man. This is why it is quite possible for every man to have a direct glimpse of the truth about his own inward non-materiality.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27517 – 14.22.3.49

BN – X – D

Nothing can ever exist outside God. Therefore, no man is bereft of the divine presence within himself. All men have the possibility of discovering this fact. And with it they will discover their real selfhood, their true individuality.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27518 – 14.22.3.50

BN – Z – D

This is the truth that must be proclaimed to our generation, that the Soul is with us here and now—not in some remote world or distant time, not when the body expires—and that it is our joy and strength to find it.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27519 – 14.22.3.51

BN – X – D

Not even a solitary Crusoe passes through life alone. Everyone passes through it in fellowship with his higher self. That such fellowship is, in most cases, an unconscious one, is not enough to nullify it. That men may deny in faith or conduct even the very existence of their soul is likewise not enough to nullify it.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27521 – 14.22.3.53

BN – Z – D

This, the real I, is always accessible to him in meditation and always is the half-known background of his conscious self at other times.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27522 – 14.22.3.54

BN – Z – D

So long as the Overself is sought elsewhere than where It is, as apart from the seeker himself, so long will the quest for it end in failure.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27523 – 14.22.3.55

B_05 – P – D

The absence of the ego is the presence of the Overself. But this is only a surface impression in the person's thought, for the Overself is 'always' present.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27526 – 14.22.3.58

BN – Z – D

We may have the intuitive assurance that this higher power 'does' exist even when we have no personal experience of it and no direct knowledge of its nature.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27527 – 14.22.3.59

BN – Z – D

Amid all the perplexities and oscillations of life, the witnessing and understanding Overself waits with infinite patience. No one is ever left out. This is the only God we can hope to know, the true Teacher for all. Those who yearn to unite with it should plead persistently for its Grace.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27528 – 14.22.3.60

BN – Z – D

The Overself's power to alter circumstances, create opportunities, and uphold persons is available to anyone who fulfils the requisite conditions. These include some amount of mental preparation and moral purification, some clear perception of the fact that the Overself is present here and now, an instant and constant remembrance of this fact, and finally a willingness to trust completely to its providential help, supply, and support no matter how undesirable or intolerable a situation seems to be.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27529 – 14.22.3.61

ME_01 – Z – DK

There are resources within man's grasp that could redeem his character and transform his life, yet they lie untouched and undeveloped.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27531 – 14.22.3.63

BN – X – D

The silent secret part of the self is forever there, forever asking a little surrender of attention. But few give it.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27532 – 14.22.3.64

BN – X – D

All the time it is silently asking: "Will you not turn toward Me, accept Me, for I am your other self?"

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27533 – 14.22.3.65

BN – X – D

In one sense, we have never left the divine Source, never lost our divine identity.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27534 – 14.22.3.66

BT1008 – P – D

The Presence is inseparable from human existence, even though so many human beings may find the statement incredible, imaginative, or merely tied to a religious faith. If it would only announce itself more loudly! But mankind has to accept its ways on its own terms. Those who wish may learn what they are.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27535 – 14.22.3.67

BN – Z – D

There is something godlike in every person. By finding it in ourselves, we rise above the common human life as that in turn rises above the animal.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27536 – 14.22.3.68

BN – X – D

And you will perceive that the Overself is always there, albeit you will have repeatedly to raise your eyes from earth and your mind from ego to come into realization of this truth.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27537 – 14.22.3.69

BN – X – D

Because we draw our very life from the spiritual principle within us, we can only ignore the truth that this principle exists but can never lose its reality.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27538 – 14.22.3.70

BN – X – D

Retreat into his mystical home is ever open to him, withdrawal into the blissful privacy of the Overself is his blessed right.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27539 – 14.22.3.71

BN – Z – DK

God is both outside and inside us, is everywhere around and deep within. It is there but waits to be recovered by the individual consciousness.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27540 – 14.22.3.72

BA11 – P – D

Where can he find this peace or practise this presence except in himself? This done, he can go about his daily business anywhere and everywhere.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27541 – 14.22.3.73

BN – X – D

Jesus spoke in simple crisp sentences about this great fact that heaven—the state of real happiness—is within man even here and now.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27542 – 14.22.3.74

B_11 – P – D

Deep within man there is Something which waits for his discovery, something which reveals itself when he has penetrated far enough or when grace grants it or karma favours it.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27543 – 14.22.3.75

BN – ZZ – DK

This divine soul never withdraws from man's life, is never absent from man's fate. For the very purpose of these last two is to draw him to seek and find the soul.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27544 – 14.22.3.76

BN – Z – D

The truth is that never for a moment are we really separate from our inner self.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27545 – 14.22.3.77

BN – X – D

The same Overself is behind us all, contains us all.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27549 – 14.22.3.81

BN – X – D

This is the divine element whose continuing presence in man confers a guarantee of eventual salvation.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27550 – 14.22.3.82

BN – X – D

In all of us there is this resplendent being dwelling in the deepest concealment, linking us with the Supreme Being.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27551 – 14.22.3.83

BN – X – D

In its own perfect silence and with its own perfect patience, the Overself awaits us.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27552 – 14.22.3.84

BN – Z – D

Look where you will, go where you will, the higher power is there, whether in silence or in action.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27553 – 14.22.3.85

BN – Z

The Overself can become very real to him when feeling its ever-presence in all his experience, when awake to its now-ness.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27555 – 14.22.3.87

BN – Z – D

The revelation of truth may come directly from within himself because of the presence of the divine spark within himself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27556 – 14.22.3.88

BN – Z – D

Since the higher individuality is a stable thing, it is not to be achieved by any efforts but is to be discovered as present.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27557 – 14.22.3.89

BN – Z

The doorway to truth stands wide open throughout the day.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27558 – 14.22.3.90

BN – Z – D

It is a presence which can be felt directly in daily active life, although not so vividly as when removed from the world and concentrated upon in solitary meditation.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27560 – 14.22.3.92

BN – Z – D

The Overself appears to all alike, regardless of colour or race, when they have made themselves ready for It. Anybody who has so misunderstood the message in my books as to believe differently, is mistaken.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > In each, in all, always

#27561 – 14.22.3.93

BN – Z

To be satisfied with anything less than this egoless Self is to worship at the shrine of an idol.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27562 – 14.22.3.94

BN – Z

The Overself is neither a cold metaphysical concept nor a passing wave of emotion. It is a 'Presence'—sublime, sacred, and beneficent—which grips your heart, thought, and body by its own mysterious power, making you regard life from a nobler standpoint.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27563 – 14.22.3.95

BN – Z – DK

The divine soul is the real essence of each person. If we do not come into the full experience of its existence, all our religion is a mere surface emotionalism, all our metaphysics a mocking intellectualism.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27564 – 14.22.3.96

BN – ZZ

Once you are clearly aware of the presence of the Overself, you will find that it will spontaneously provide you with a rule of conduct and a standard of ethics at all times and under all circumstances. Consequently you will never be at a loss to know what to do in difficult moral situations, nor how to behave in challenging ones. And with this knowledge will also come the power to implement it.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27565 – 14.22.3.97

BN – ZZ – D

When this contact with the Overself is established, its power will work for you: you will no longer go through the struggles of life alone.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27566 – 14.22.3.98

BN – ZZ – D

This is not to say that the spiritual contact will remove all difficulties and perplexities from your inner life, but that it will give you added power to deal with them.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27567 – 14.22.3.99

BN – ZZ

From this seeming Nothingness deep within he draws a peace of mind, an emotional freedom, a sense of God’s living presence that the world's harshness cannot dislodge.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27568 – 14.22.3.100

BA11 – ZZ – D

The appearance of the sacred presence automatically extinguishes the lower desires. The holding on to that presence wherever he goes and whatever he does as if it were his real identity, will help to establish that release as a lasting fact.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27569 – 14.22.3.101

BN – Z – D

As he becomes more sensitive to the Overself's presence, he knows that he has only to turn to it to receive divine strength and nourishment.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27570 – 14.22.3.102

BN – Z – D

When all other sources of help have been tried, there is no other source left to man than the divine Overself, by whatever name he calls it or under whatever symbol he pictures it.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27571 – 14.22.3.103

BN – ZZ – D

Once the Overself is felt in the heart as a living presence, it raises the consciousness out of the grip of the egoistic-desire parts of our being, frees it from the ups and downs of mood and emotion which they involve. It provides a sense of inner satisfaction that is complete in itself and irrespective of outside circumstances.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27572 – 14.22.3.104

BN – ZZ – D

The extraordinary thing is not that he will feel the divine self is with him but that it has always been with him.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27573 – 14.22.3.105

BN – Z – DK*

“How quiet it is!” exclaimed Lao Tzu, in describing the Overself. “Yet it can transform all things.”

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27574 – 14.22.3.106

BN – X – D

The stillness has magical powers. It soothes, restores, heals, instructs, guides, and replaces chaos and tumult by orderliness and harmony.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27575 – 14.22.3.107

B_01 – ZZ – DMK

There is much confusion of understanding about what happens to the ego when it attains the ultimate goal. Some believe that a cosmic consciousness develops, with an all-knowing intelligence and an "all-overish" feeling. They regard it as unity with the whole universe. Others assert that there is a complete loss of the ego, an utter destruction of the personal self. No—these are confused notions of what actually occurs. The Overself is not a collective entity as though it were composed of a number of particles. One's embrace of other human beings through it is not in union with them but only in sympathy, not in psychic identification with them but in psychic harmony. He has enlarged the area of his vision and sees himself as a part of mankind. But this does not mean that he has become conscious of all mankind as though they were himself. The true unity is with one's own higher indestructible self. It is still with a higher individuality, not a cosmic one, and it is still with one's own self, not with the rest of mankind.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27576E – 14.22.3.108

BN – ZEL1/4 – DEK

There is much confusion of understanding about what happens to the ego when it attains the ultimate goal. Some believe that a cosmic consciousness develops, with an all-knowing intelligence and an "all-overish" feeling. They regard it as unity with the whole universe. Others assert that there is a complete loss of the ego, an utter destruction of the personal self. No—these are confused notions of what actually occurs. The Overself is not a collective entity as though it were composed of a number of particles. One's embrace of other human beings through it is not in union with them but only in sympathy, not in psychic identification with them but in psychic harmony. Unity with them is neither mystically nor practically possible. What we discover is discovered by a deepening of consciousness, not by a widening of it. Hence it is not so much a wider as a deeper self that he has first to find.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27576E – 14.22.3.108

BN – ZEL2/4 – DEK

Hence it is not so much a wider as a deeper self that he has first to find. With the rectification of this error, we may find the correct answer to the question: "What is the practical meaning of the injunction laid by all the great spiritual teachers upon their followers, to give up the ego, to renounce the self?" It does not ask for a foolish sentimentality, in the sense that we are to be as putty in the hands of all other men. It does not ask for an utter impossibility, in the sense that we are never to attend to our own affairs at all. It does not ask for a useless absurdity, in the sense that we are to become oblivious of our very existence. On the contrary, it asks for what is wise, practicable, and worthwhile—that we give up our lower personality to our higher individuality.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27576E – 14.22.3.108

BN – ZEL3/4 – DEK

Thus it is not that the aspirant is asked to abandon all thought of his particular self (as if he could) or to lose consciousness of it, but that he is asked to perceive its imperfection, its unsatisfactoriness, its faultiness, its baseness and its sinfulness and, in consequence of this perception, to give it up in favour of his higher self, with its perfection, blessedness, goodness, nobility, and wisdom. For in the lower ego he will never know peace whereas in the diviner one he will always know it.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27576E – 14.22.3.108

BN – ZEL4/4 – DEK

He is not asked to abandon all thought of his particular self (as if he could) or to lose consciousness of it, but that he is asked to perceive its imperfection, its unsatisfactoriness, its faultiness, its baseness and its sinfulness and, in consequence of this perception, to give it up in favour of his higher self, with its perfection, blessedness, goodness, nobility, and wisdom. For in the lower ego he will never know peace whereas in the diviner one he will always know it.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27576E – 14.22.3.108

B_08 – ZZ – DEK

Through his higher self, a man can attain the highest good.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27578 – 14.22.3.110

BN – X – D

The concept of the Overself is foundational. It provides meaning for life

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27579 – 14.22.3.111

BA11 – Z – DK1

The concept of the Overself is foundational. It provides meaning for life. It is no truer message than this: "seek for the divine within yourself, return to it every day, learn how to continue in it and finally be it."

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27579EM – 14.22.3.111

B_01 – ZZZ – DXK

That man is verily ignorant who does not know that what the Overself can give him is immeasurably greater than what he can gain from any other source. For on the one side there is infinite power, on the other only limited capacity.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27580 – 14.22.3.112

BN – X – D

Lots of words are not needed to communicate what the Overself has to say. From its presence the truth, the power, and the virtue can make themselves felt.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27581 – 14.22.3.113

BN – ZZ

In that benign atmosphere, negative thoughts cannot exist.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27582 – 14.22.3.114

BN – ZZ – D

He who has discovered how to live with his higher self has discovered a serenity which defies circumstance and environment, a goodness which is too deep for the world's understanding, a wisdom which transcends thought.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27583 – 14.22.3.115

BN – ZZ – D

Even in the midst of worldly distresses, he will feel the Overself's support to such an extent and in such a way that they will seem to be someone else's, with himself as a merely continuous spectator of them.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27584 – 14.22.3.116

BN – Z – D

He lives in the gratifying consciousness that he is supported by the divine will, the divine power.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27585 – 14.22.3.117

BN – Z

To find the Overself is to eliminate fear, establish harmony, and inspire living.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27586 – 14.22.3.118

BN – Z – D

It is quite possible to open doors of inner being without the aid of a teacher. One's own higher self will give him all the guidance he needs, provided he has sufficient faith in its existence and its assistance.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27588 – 14.22.3.120

BN – Z – D

Alone and depending on his little, personal ego, a man can do the merest fraction of what he can do when he becomes an instrument of the Infinite Power.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27589 – 14.22.3.121

BN – ZZ – D

When the star of a man's Overself rises into ascendancy, he will no more feel lonely even if he be often alone. A sense of the universe's friendliness will surround him, enfold him.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27590 – 14.22.3.122

BN – Z – D

He always turns for his first defense against the perils and troubles of this world to brief meditation upon the all-wise, all-powerful Overself, and only after that for his secondary defenses to the ego's human resources.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27591 – 14.22.3.123

BN – Z – D

From the outside, by means of events, persons, or books; from the inside, by means of intuitions, thoughts, feelings, and urges—this is how the way is shown him by the Overself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27592 – 14.22.3.124

BN – ZZ – D

Out of this deep mysterious centre within himself, he will draw the strength to endure distresses with fortitude, the wisdom to manage situations without after-regrets, the insight to keep the great and little values of everyday living in proper perspective.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27593 – 14.22.3.125

B_01 – ZZZ – DMK

If the consciousness of God in him makes him very strong, the consciousness of his dependence on it keeps him very humble.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27595 – 14.22.3.127

BN – X – D

Its wisdom is a perfect solvent of human perplexities, its tranquillity a perfect balm for human bruises.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27596 – 14.22.3.128

BN – Z

Because he has access to this inward source, he may live the loneliest of lives but it will not be loveless. The joy and warmth of its ever-presence will abide with him.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27597 – 14.22.3.129

BN – Z – D

In very truth the Overself becomes his beloved companion, bringing an intense satisfaction and profound love which no external friendship could ever bring.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27598 – 14.22.3.130

BN – ZZ – D

The ever-presence of the Overself is to him life's greatest fact. There is nothing to compare with it; he takes his stand upon it. He rejoices in it. When the outside world does him injustice or slanders him or hurts him or defrauds him, he turns inward, deeper and deeper inward, until he stands in the presence of the Overself. Then he finds absolute serenity, absolute love. Every lesser thing must dissolve away in its divine atmosphere, and when he returns to mundane thought he feels no resentment against the wrong-doers; if anything, he feels pity for them. He has lost nothing, for good name and property are but the accidents of existence, whereas the presence of the Overself is a basic essential, and he has not lost that reality. So long as It loves him and so long as he loves It there can be no real loss.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27599 – 14.22.3.131

BN – ZZ – DEK

We do not live self-sufficient and self-sustained lives but depend wholly on the Overself in every way and at every moment.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27600 – 14.22.3.132

BN – X – D

Under great strain and amid grave dangers, the aspirant will find courage and endurance in the talismanic power of remembering the Higher Self. It is always there.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27601 – 14.22.3.133

BN – Z – D

It is from this source that he will draw both strength to rise above his own temptations and love to rise above other men’s hatred.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27602 – 14.22.3.134

BN – Z – D

All nerve tensions are lost in this holy quietude. An exquisite mood of well-being takes their place.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27605 – 14.22.3.137

BN – X – D

He who perpetually feels the presence of the divine soul within himself, thereby obtains an effortless control of himself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27606 – 14.22.3.138

BA11 – P – D

The doubts and fears, the hesitations and suspicions, the jealousies and bitternesses, the enmities and hatreds of common life can never enter here.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27607 – 14.22.3.139

BN – ZZ – D

Jallaluddin Rumi gave a beautiful and fitting name to the Higher Self in many of his poems. He called it "the Friend."

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27608 – 14.22.3.140

BN – Z – DK*

There is a sense of perfect safety, a sense which particularly and strongly reveals itself at times of danger, crisis, or distress.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27609 – 14.22.3.141

BN – ZZ – D

It is a fact more real than we usually grant that the continuous presence of the Overself makes men's satisfaction with wholly material living both impermanent and impossible.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27610 – 14.22.3.142

BN – Z – D

The extent of the peace and strength, the confidence and beneficence which lie stretched out beneath the little ego's troubled life is like unto the oceans: no other simile will suit.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27611 – 14.22.3.143

BN – Z – DM

Mysterious pools of wisdom and goodness are underneath the personality, if only we could find our way to them or else bring gushes from them to the surface.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27612 – 14.22.3.144

BN – ZZ – DM*

It is the presence of the Overself in us that creates the germ of our aspirations for a higher life. It is the warm sunshine and cold rain of experience that nurtures the germ. It is the influence of spiritual individuals that brings the growth through its varying stages.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27614 – 14.22.3.146

BN – ZZ – D

All your finest emotions, deepest wisdom, creative faculties, and Truth-discriminating intuitions come into being because of the Overself’s central if hidden presence.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27615 – 14.22.3.147

BSG_4 – P – D

Many will dispute this possibility, but it is certainly possible for your higher self to guide and instruct you directly—through and within yourself. It is not an existence far apart from yourself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27616 – 14.22.3.148

BN – Z – D

The joy that emanates from the Overself has a healing quality. It dissipates anxieties and eradicates neuroses.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27620 – 14.22.3.152

BN – Z – D

Its power can carry him through a grave crisis with unfaltering steadiness.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27621 – 14.22.3.153

BN – Z

Do not think so much of looking for outside help. Your Higher Self is with you. If you could have enough faith in its presence, you could look inwards. With persistence and patience, it would guide you.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27622 – 14.22.3.154

BN – Z – D

It is a truth by whose light a man lives nobly and in whose comfort he may die serenely.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27624 – 14.22.3.156

BN – Z

Where the ego fails or falters, the Overself proves equal to every occasion.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27625 – 14.22.3.157

BN – Z – D

Enfolded by that inner strength, one ceases to fear, to be anxious, or to dread the future.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27626 – 14.22.3.158

BN – Z – D

For him the most worthy achievement is to live in this state of being and to love it.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27627 – 14.22.3.159

BN – X – K

It is always there, always present in him although not always easily reachable. It is the secret centre of his being. This conscious contact with it gives a feeling of marvellous security, of mountain-like strength.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27628 – 14.22.3.160

BN – ZZ – DK

He can assert this protective truth against whatever evils and dangers may appear from time to time.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27632 – 14.22.3.164

BN – Z

The Overself is there and in its presence he becomes indifferent to the praise of friends or the venom of enemies.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27633 – 14.22.3.165

BN – ZZ – D

He dwells in some inner fortress—safe, protected, and sure of himself. He is hardly touched by the turmoil of passing events.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27634 – 14.22.3.166

BN – ZZ

He will gain with time the sense of a Presence which walks with him and dwells in him. It is a guide with practical value, too, for it warns him what not to do if he would live ethically and avoid additional suffering. Even if he does not advance so far as perfect realization, he will advance.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27635 – 14.22.3.167

BN – ZZ – DK

In this healing presence the past is washed away and old sins with it.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27637 – 14.22.3.169

BN – X – D

It is the part of his being which, being worth most to him, deserves most from him.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27638 – 14.22.3.170

BN – Z – K

Quite a number get a mysterious support and consolation from simply knowing at second hand that the Overself is there, even though they themselves cannot make any contact with it.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27639 – 14.22.3.171

BN – X – D

Everything that exists in time must also exist in change. The Overself does not exist in time and is not subject to change. It is real, it is present and active in our very midst, its power and its guidance can be felt and recognized.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27640M – 14.22.3.172

BA11 – P – DX

It is real, it is present and active in our very midst, its power and its guidance can be felt and recognized.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Value, effects of its presence

#27640 – 14.22.3.172

BN – Z – D

There is some life-power from which we derive our capacities and our intelligence. It is hidden and intangible. No one has seen it but everyone who thinks deeply enough can sense that it is there, always present and always supporting us. It is the Overself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27643 – 14.22.3.175

B_01 – ZZZ – DK

Ernest Wood’s Yoga Dictionary defines “Overself” as follows: “A term designed by Dr. P. Brunton to indicate that the holy fount of our being and root of our consciousness is still ourselves, is indeed our true self. The Sanskrit equivalent is adhyatma as in Bhagavad Gita, Chapter VII and VIII.” To Dr. Wood’s learned definition I would like to add Kutastha, what stands above or beyond illusion, and also the Gita’s picture of the higher element in man controlling the lesser self. Further I would not leave out Buddha’s transcendent atmosphere of goodwill to all beings.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27645 – 14.22.3.177

BN – X – D

It is this grandeur of self that is the magnetic pole drawing us to the Good, the Beautiful, the Just, the True, and the Noble. Yet itself is above all these attributes for it is the Attributeless, the Ineffable, and Infinite that human thought cannot grasp.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27646 – 14.22.3.178

BN – X – D

Both the inward and outward lives of every man are controlled by a concealed entity—the Overself. Could he but see aright, he would see that everything witnesses to its presence and activity.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27647 – 14.22.3.179

BA11 – P – D

He will feel that this nobler self actually overshadows him at times. This is literally true. Hence we have named it the Overself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27648 – 14.22.3.180

BN – Z – D

When man shall discover the hidden power within himself which enables him to be conscious and to think, he will discover the holy spirit, the ray of Infinite Mind lighting his little finite mind.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27649 – 14.22.3.181

BN – X – DK1

This is the abiding essence of a man, his true self as against his ephemeral person. Whoever enters into its consciousness enters into timelessness, a wonderful experience where the flux of pleasures and pains comes to an end in utter serenity, where regrets for the past, impatience at the present, and fears of the future are unknown.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27651 – 14.22.3.183

BN – ZZ – D

Nothing could be nearer to a man than the Overself for it is the source of his life, mind, and feeling. Nothing could be farther from him, nevertheless, for it eludes all his familiar instruments of experience and awareness.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27652 – 14.22.3.184

BN – X – D

Without the Overself no human creature could be what it is—conscious, living, and intelligent.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27653 – 14.22.3.185

BN – X – D

Although awareness is the first way in which we can regard the soul or Overself, the latter is also that which makes awareness possible and hence a sub- or super-conscious thing. This explains why it is that we do not know our souls, but only our thoughts, our feelings, and our bodies. It is because we are the soul and hence we are the knower as well as the act of knowing. The eyes see everything outside yet do not see themselves.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27654 – 14.22.3.186

BN – X – DEK

The Overself is certainly the Way (within man), the Truth (knowing the Real Being), and the Life (applying this knowledge and practising this way in the midst of ordinary everyday activity).

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27655 – 14.22.3.187

BN – Z – D

We cannot accurately and strictly define the Overself. It is really indescribable, but its effects are not. The feeling of the Overself's presence and the way to awaken it may both be described for the benefit of those who have neither experienced the one nor learned the other.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27656 – 14.22.3.188

BN – Z – D

Everything else can be known, as things and ideas are known, as something apart or possessed, but the Overself cannot be truly known in this way. Only by identifying oneself with It can this happen.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27658 – 14.22.3.190

BN – Z

We can know the Overself only by 'being' it, not by thinking it. It is beyond thoughts for it is Thought, Pure Mind, itself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27659 – 14.22.3.191

BSG_4 – P – D

From the ordinary human point of view the Overself is the Ever-Still: yet that is our own conceptualization of it, for the fact is that all the universe’s tremendous activity is induced by its presence.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27660 – 14.22.3.192

BN – X – D

That out of which we draw our life and intelligence is unique and indestructible, beginningless and infinite.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27661 – 14.22.3.193

BN – X – D

It is not only the hidden and mysterious source of their own little self but also the unrecognized source of the only moments of real happiness that they ever have.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27663 – 14.22.3.195

BN – Z – D

What does the coming of Overself consciousness mean to man? It means, first of all, an undivided mind.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27666 – 14.22.3.198

BN – X – D

Listen to the Roman Stoics' definition of the Overself: "the divinity which is planted in his breast" of Marcus Aurelius; "your guardian spirit" of Epictetus.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27667 – 14.22.3.199

BN – Z – D

At the centre of every man's being there is his imperishable soul, his guardian angel.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27669 – 14.22.3.201

BN – Z – D

The Overself is not merely a mental concept for all men but also a driving force for some men, not merely a pious pleasant feeling for those who believe in it but also a continuing vital experience for those who have lifted the ego's heavy door-bar.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27670 – 14.22.3.202

BN – Z – DK1

No one can explain what the Overself is, for it is the origin, the mysterious source, of the explaining mind, and beyond all its capacities. But what can be explained are the effects of standing consciously in its presence, the conditions under which it manifests, the ways in which it appears in human life and experience, the paths which lead to its realization.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27671 – 14.22.3.203

BN – Z – DK1

It is a state of pure intelligence but without the working of the intellectual and ideational process. Its product may be named intuition. There are no automatically conceived ideas present in it, no habitually followed ways of thinking. It is pure, clear, stillness.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27672 – 14.22.3.204

BN – ZZ – K1

The very essence of that Stillness is the Divine Being. Yet from it come forth the energies which make and break universes, which are perpetually active, creative, inventive, and mobile.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27673 – 14.22.3.205

BN – Z

Let no one imagine that contact with the Overself is a kind of dreamy reverie or pleasant, fanciful state. It is a vital relationship with a current of peace, power, and goodwill flowing endlessly from the invisible centre to the visible self.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27674 – 14.22.3.206

BN – Z – DK1

Although it is true that the Overself is the real guardian angel of every human being, we should not be so foolish as to suppose its immediate intervention in every trivial affair. On the contrary, its care is general rather than particular, in the determination of long-term phases rather than day-by-day events. Its intervention, if that does occur, will be occasioned by or will precipitate a crisis.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27675 – 14.22.3.207

BN – ZZ – DK1

It is that part of man which is fundamental, real, undying, and truly 'knowing'.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27677 – 14.22.3.209

BN – Z – K1

Knowledge of law, language, or history can be collected and becomes a possession but knowledge of the Overself is not at all the same. It is something one must be: it owns us, we do not have it.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27680 – 14.22.3.212

BN – Z – D

Stillness is both a sign that sense and thought, body and intellect, have been transcended and a symbol of the consciousness of the presence of the Overself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27681 – 14.22.3.213

BN – X – D

Whatever is said or written about that august truth, reality, consciousness, and perception of the Overself, and no matter how eloquently, it will still be only a pathetic belittlement of its subject. That is why seers like Lao Tzu in China and Ramana Maharshi in India declared it was better to be silent and utter nothing at all.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27682 – 14.22.3.214

BN – Z

Just as the eye cannot see itself as a second thing apart, so the Overself (which you are) cannot objectify itself, cannot become an object to be looked at or thought about. For in that case you would be dealing with a pretender, while all your thinking could in the end only deliver another thought, not the reality itself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27684 – 14.22.3.216

BN – Z – DEK

This is its mystery, that seeing all, it is itself seen by none.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27686 – 14.22.3.218

BN – Z – DK

Whatever men may say about it will not be enough to describe it properly, justly, accurately. All such efforts will be clumsy but they will not be useless. They will be suggestive, offer clues perhaps, each in its own way. 

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27687 – 14.22.3.219

UR_3.2 – ZZ – K

What is its consciousness like? If we use our ordinary faculties only, we may ponder this problem for a lifetime without discerning its solution for it is evident that we enter a realm where the very questioner himself must disappear as soon as he crosses the frontier. The personal "I" must be like a mere wave in such an ocean, a finite centre in incomprehensible infinitude. It would be impossible to realize what mind-in-itself is so long as we narrow down the focus of attention to the personal "I"-thought. For it would be like a wave vainly trying to collect and cram the whole ocean within itself, while refusing to expand its attention beyond its own finite form.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27688 – 14.22.3.220

BN – Z – K

All that he knows and experiences are things in this world of the five senses. The Overself is not within their sphere of operation and therefore not to be known and experienced in the same way. This is why the first real entry into it must necessarily be an entry into no-thing-ness. The mystical phenomena and mystical raptures happen merely on the journey to this Void.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27689D – 14.22.3.221

BN – Z – DEK

It is a consciousness where the "here" is universal and the "now" is everlasting.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27690 – 14.22.3.222

BA11 – P – D

There is a sense of the total absence of time, a feeling of the unending character of one's inner being.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27691 – 14.22.3.223

BN – Z – D

The being which he finds at the end of this inner search is an anonymous one. He may ask for a name but he will not get one. He must be satisfied with the obscure response: "I Am That I Am!"

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27692 – 14.22.3.224

BA11 – P – D

The Overself is there, but it is hidden within our conscious being. Only there, in this deep atmosphere, do we come upon the mirage-free Truth, the illusion-free Reality.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27693 – 14.22.3.225

BN – ZZ – D

There are deep places in men's hearts and minds into which they rarely venture. And yet treasures are hidden there—flashes of intuition, important revelations, extra strengths, and above all a peace out of this world.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27694 – 14.22.3.226

BN – Z – D

It is Conscious Silence.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27695 – 14.22.3.227

BN – X – K

Yes, your guardian angel is always present and always the secret witness and recorder of your thoughts and deeds. Whether you go down into the black depths of hell or ascend to the radiant heights of heaven, you do not walk alone.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27697 – 14.22.3.229

BN – Z – D

Wherever they happen to be, in wide-scattered countries, widely different climates, and far-apart centuries, men have experienced this divine presence. What does this show? That it is not dependent on place and hour, not subject to the laws of space-time.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27698 – 14.22.3.230

BN – Z – D

Deep down in the mind and feeling of man is the mysterious godlike Essence seemingly too deep—alas!—for the ordinary man, who therefore lets himself be content with hearing from others about it and thus only at second hand.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27699 – 14.22.3.231

BN – Z – D

If we believe in or know of the reality of the Overself, we must also believe or know that our everyday, transient life is actively rooted in its timeless being.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27700 – 14.22.3.232

BN – Z – D

It is the life-giving, body-healing, or occult-power-bestowing force in man. It is not a theoretical conception but a quickening, transforming power.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27701 – 14.22.3.233

BN – Z – DK

There is a godlike thing within us which theology calls the spirit and which, because it is also a portion of the higher power within the universe, I call the Overself. He is wise indeed who takes it as his truest guide and makes it his protective guardian.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27703 – 14.22.3.235

BN – ZZ – D

In the end, after many a life on earth, he will find that much of what he looks for in others will have to be found in himself. But it will not be found in the surface self. It lies deeply submerged, in a region where the purest forms exist.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27704 – 14.22.3.236

BA11 – P – D

The Overself is not only the best part of himself but also the unalterable part.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27707 – 14.22.3.239

BN – ZZ – D

I am well aware that I have used the term Overself inconsistently and indifferently and that now a fresh definition is imposed upon the work in my new book. Does the cancellation of the earlier definitions render them false? By no means! They are perfectly correct when read 'in their proper places'; their defect is that they are incomplete; they are not representative of the highest truth; they are true in the world of religion, or of mysticism, as the case may be, but not in the world of philosophy.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27708 – 14.22.3.240

UR_3.2 – ZZ – K

Although the Overself does not think, its presence makes thinking possible, and although it does not register on our five senses, it makes all sense-impressions possible.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27709 – 14.22.3.241

BN – X – D

We cannot see, hear, or touch without the mind. But the mind, in its turn, cannot function or even exist without the Overself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27710 – 14.22.3.242

BN – Z – D

It is from the Overself that every true prophet receives his power. "I of myself am nothing", confessed Jesus.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27711 – 14.22.3.243

B_11 – P – D

The Overself does not evolve and does not progress. These are activities which belong to time and space. It is nowhere in time and nowhere in space. It is Here, in this deep beautiful and all-pervading calm, that a Human Being finds his real identity.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27713 – 14.22.3.245

BSG_4 – ZZZ – DM*

Everything that exists in time must also exist in change. The Overself does not exist in time and is not subject to change. It is real, it is present and active in our very midst, its power and its guidance can be felt and recognized.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27714M – 14.22.3.246

BA11 – P – DX

Do not insult the Higher Power by calling it unconscious; it is not only fully conscious but also fully intelligent. Your real Self, which is this power, needs neither commands nor instructions from the physical brain.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27715 – 14.22.3.247

BN – X – D

The Overself is not anyone's private property.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27716 – 14.22.3.248

BN – X – D

There is no way of showing the Overself for anyone's examination. Since the ego comes out of the Overself, the only way it can see it again is to go back into it.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27719 – 14.22.3.251

BN – Z – D

Miguel de Molinos: "The Soul is a pure Spirit and does not feel herself. Its acts are not perceptible."

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27720 – 14.22.3.252

BN – X – D

This beneficent, freedom-bestowing, character-transforming, soul-awakening, gentle Presence is Overself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27721 – 14.22.3.253

BN – Z – DK

The interpretation of "Overself" which I have given in my book 'The Wisdom of the Overself' is confirmed by the teaching of a former Sri Shankaracharya of Kolhapur (1912) as told by one of his disciples. He taught 'Atman'—that part of the Absolute which is Man. He interpreted it as "higher self."

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27722 – 14.22.3.254

BN – Z

Whether out in this world of ugly happenings or deep within the mind in a heaven of beauty and peace, the observer is the same; but in the first case he is the little limited ego and in the second case, he is THAT from which the ego draws its sustenance—the Overself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27723 – 14.22.3.255

BN – Z

Somewhere at the hidden core of man's being there is light, goodness, power, and tranquillity.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27725 – 14.22.3.257

BN – X – D

The infinite divine life dwells within all embodied creatures, therefore in all mankind. It is the final source of his feelings and his consciousness, however limited they are here in the body itself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27726 – 14.22.3.258

BN – X – D

There is nothing else like it; nothing with which the Overself could be compared.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27727 – 14.22.3.259

BN – X – D

It has no form to be pictured and weighed, measured and numbered; it makes no movement to be timed and no sound to be registered on the ear drum.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27728 – 14.22.3.260

BN – X – D

It could be said that the innermost essence of a man, be it his heart or his mind, is the Overself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27729 – 14.22.3.261

BN – Z

No person can hope to discover what God is like since human beings do not possess the proper faculties for such an undertaking. The best one can do is to create for himself an idea or interpretation of God that will suit his understanding and help him. Some people call it by different names; in fact, in my writings, I have referred to it as the Soul, the Overself, the Higher Self, the True Self, and so on—all of which are quite correct.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27730 – 14.22.3.262

BN – Z

The word Overmind should never have been introduced but now that it is here it must be explained. There is only one Reality. The nearest notion we can form of it is that it is something mental. If we think of it as being the sum total of all individual minds, then it is Overmind; if we can rise higher and know that it cannot be totalized, it is Overself. The first explanation was originally introduced to explain why abnormal phenomena can happen but not as a final explanation of what Mind and Reality are. People have confused the two aims. Actually there is only One thing, whatever you call it, but it can be studied from different standpoints and thus we get different results. That thing is Mind—unindividuated, infinite.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27731 – 14.22.3.263

BN – Z

The point in the heart is a focus for meditation and also an experience during meditation. When, however, one rises to the ultimate path he disregards the heart because the Overself has nothing to do with localities or geography of any kind; it cannot be measured.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27734 – 14.22.3.266

BN – X – D

There is more within him of the good than a man suspects, even though experience may make him believe otherwise. But it lies in a deeper layer, hence it needs a longer time to bring it up.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27736 – 14.22.3.268

BN – X – D

We may try to make this idea as clearly definable as we can, but nothing put into words can in the end be more than a hint, a clue, or merely suggestive.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27741 – 14.22.3.273

BN – Z

Just as the pearl is well hidden within the oyster and not apparent until searched for, so the Overself is well hidden in man.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27742 – 14.22.3.274

BN – Z

The Christ-self who was in Jesus is in us too.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27743 – 14.22.3.275

B_11 – P – D

It is like nothing that we know from experience or can picture from imagination. Space does not hold it. Time does not condition it.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27744 – 14.22.3.276

BN – Z

If most men fail to recognize the Overself, if they deny its presence in Nature or in themselves, can they be blamed? What else is so elusive?

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27746 – 14.22.3.278

BN – Z

Here is the concentrated ultimate essence of his being.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27749 – 14.22.3.281

BN – Z

That which is within us as the Overself, being godlike, is out of time and eternal.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27751 – 14.22.3.283

BN – Z – D

There is something within him which is without personal existence, without a name, and without scrutable face. It is the Overself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27752 – 14.22.3.284

BN – Z – D

It is "the sacred spirit dwelling within us, observer and guardian of all our evil and our good" of Seneca.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27755 – 14.22.3.287

BN – X – D

In the gravest depths of a man's being he will find, not fouling slime and evil, but cleansing divinity and goodness.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27757 – 14.22.3.289

BN – Z – K

This is the irreducible essence of a man, where he 'is'.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27758 – 14.22.3.290

BN – Z

It is inaccessible to the intellect, unknowable by ordinary egoistic man. Yet there are some into whose consciousness It has entered.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27759 – 14.22.3.291

BN – Z – D

It is a 'felt' presence.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27760 – 14.22.3.292

BN – Z

That from which the intellect's power recoils and the ego's pride suffers—that is the Overself!

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27761 – 14.22.3.293

BN – Z

It is the presence of the Overself within us which makes more consciousness possible, whether it be the consciousness of the dream or the consciousness of waking.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27763 – 14.22.3.295

BN – X – D

There are two biblical quotations, one from the Song of Solomon and one from Saint Paul, that accurately refer to the Overself. This indeed is the real soul of man, whose finding here and now, during our life on earth, is the task silently set us by life itself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27764 – 14.22.3.296

BN – ZZ – D

That which finds itself and lives in him, works through him and is the God within: 'a holy Presence'.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27765 – 14.22.3.297

BN – Z

The pristine nature of the Self is effortless, spontaneous 'Tapas'. Incessant 'Tapas' of that kind leads to the manifestation of all powers. —Sri Ramana Maharshi.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27767 – 14.22.3.299

BN – X – K

The Overself is truly our guardian angel, ever with us and never deserting us. It is our invisible saviour. But we must realize that it seeks primarily to save us not from suffering but from the ignorance which is the cause of our suffering.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27769 – 14.22.3.301

BN – ZZZ – DK*

This particular function of the Overself was known also to the more percipient among men of the Middle Ages and of antiquity. Thus Epictetus: "Zeus hath placed by the side of each, a man's own Guardian Spirit, who is charged to watch over him."

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Toward 'defining' the Overself

#27770 – 14.22.3.302

BN – X – D

We found it necessary, in the interests of greater precision and better exposition, to restrict the term "Overself" to represent the ultimate reality of man, and to introduce the term "World-Mind" to represent the ultimate reality of the universe.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27772 – 14.22.3.304

UR_2.1 – ZZZ – DMK

The Overself is the representative of God in man. The soul constitutes both the connection between man and God and the ultimate attainment of man.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27773M – 14.22.3.305

BA11 – P – DX

The Overself is a part of World-Mind. Whereas World-Mind is beyond human capacity to know, the Overself is within that capacity.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27774 – 14.22.3.306

BN – X – D

That point 'in' man where the two worlds of being—infinite and finite—can be said to touch, is Overself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27775 – 14.22.3.307

BN – Z – D

The Overself is so close to God, so akin to the World-Mind, that no man need look farther, or aspire higher.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27777 – 14.22.3.309

BN – X – D

The Overself is the highest point in the human being; it is there where he can find himself "made in the image of God."

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27778 – 14.22.3.310

BN – X – DK*

The Overself is 'our' knowledge, experience, or sight of the World-Mind, of God, and is the only one we shall ever get while we are still in the flesh.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27780 – 14.22.3.312

BN – Z – DK

There is a point where the human meets the divine, where the conscious ego emerges from the all-encompassing Void. That point we call the Overself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27781 – 14.22.3.313

BN – Z

There is some point in each individual being where the human and the divine must join, where man's little consciousness bends low before, or blends subtly with, the Universal Mind which is his ultimate source. It is impossible to describe that intersection in any terms which shall adequately fit it, but it can be named. In philosophy it is the Overself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27782 – 14.22.3.314

UR_3.2 – ZZZ – DK

The essence of man is his Overself, which is an emanation from Mind.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27783 – 14.22.3.315

BN – Z – D

Here is the focal point of all spiritual searching, here man meets God.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27784 – 14.22.3.316

BN – X – DK1

The Overself is the point where the One Mind is received into consciousness. It is the "I" freed from narrowness, thoughts, flesh, passion, and emotion—that is, from the personal ego.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27785 – 14.22.3.317

BN – ZZ – DM1*

That point where man meets the Infinite is the Overself, where he, the finite, responds to what is absolute, ineffable and inexhaustible Being, where he reacts to That which transcends his own existence—this is the Personal God he experiences and comes into relation with. In this sense his belief in such a God is justifiable.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27786 – 14.22.3.318

BN – Z – DK1

Overself is the inner or true self of man, reflecting the divine being and attributes. The Overself is an emanation from the ultimate reality but is neither a division nor a detached fragment of it. It is a ray shining forth but not the sun itself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27787 – 14.22.3.319

UR_2.1 – ZZZ – DMK1

It is true that the nature of God is inscrutable and that the laws of God are inexorable. But it is also true that the God-linked soul of man is accessible and its intuitions available.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27788 – 14.22.3.320

BN – Z – DK1

This divine self is the unkillable and unlosable soul, forever testifying to the source, whence it came.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27789 – 14.22.3.321

BN – Z – D

Those who consider the hidden mind to be a mere storehouse of forgotten childhood memories or adolescent experiences and repressed adult wishes consider only a part of it, only a fraction. There is another and even still more hidden part which links man with the very sources of the universe—God.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27790 – 14.22.3.322

BN – Z

That point of contact in consciousness where man first feels God and later vanishes into God, is the Overself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27791 – 14.22.3.323

BN – Z – D

The Overself is a part of the One Infinite Life-Power as the dewdrop is a part of the ocean.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27792 – 14.22.3.324

BN – Z – D

That which connects the individual man to the Universal Spirit, I call the Overself. This connection can never be broken. Its existence is the chief guarantee that there is hope of salvation for 'all', not merely for those who think their group alone will be granted it.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27793 – 14.22.3.325

BA11 – P – D

With this grand consciousness, man reaches the APHELION of his orbit. He can go no higher and remain man.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27794 – 14.22.3.326

BN – X – K

Speaking metaphorically, we may say that the Overself is that fragment of God which dwells in man, a fragment which has all the quality and grandeur of God without all its amplitude and power.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27795 – 14.22.3.327

BN – Z

The World-Mind’s reflection in us is the Overself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27796 – 14.22.3.328

BN – X – D

The thoughts and feelings which flow like a river through our consciousness make up the surface self. But underneath them there is a deeper self which, being an emanation from divine reality, constitutes our true self.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27797 – 14.22.3.329

BN – Z – D

That which I call the Overself is intermediate between the ordinary human and the World-Mind. It includes man's higher nature but stretches into what is above him, the divine.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27798 – 14.22.3.330

BN – Z – D

In the normally covered centre of a man's being, covered by his thoughts and feelings and passions as a person, a self, IT IS. It is here that he is connected with the larger Being behind the universe, the World-Mind. In this sense he is not really an isolated unit, not alone. God is with him. It was a simple shepherd on Mount Horeb who, during a glimpse, asked "Who art Thou?" Came the answer: "I am He Who IS!"

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27799 – 14.22.3.331

BN – X – DEK

It is his 'own' greater self, his Overself, that he thus experiences, although he may be so overwhelmed by its mysterious Power, so awed by its ethereality, that he usually believes—and names—it God. And in one mode of meaning, his belief is not without justification. For at the core of the experience, he, the atom within the World-Mind, receives the revelation that it is ever there and, more, ever supporting him.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27800 – 14.22.3.332

BN – X – D

It is this, the deepest part of his being, his final essential self, which is a man's Overself, and which links him with the World-Mind. It is this Presence within which evokes all his spiritual quality.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27801 – 14.22.3.333

BN – Z – D

This is the essential being of a man, where his link with God lies.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27802 – 14.22.3.334

BN – Z

Epictetus helps us to understand, and our intellect to define, the Overself. "Do you not know," he says, "that you carry a god within you? . . . You are a distinct portion of the essence of God and contain a part of Him within yourself."

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and World-Mind

#27803 – 14.22.3.335

BN – Z – D

It is amazing paradox that the Overself completely transcends the body yet completely permeates it: both these descriptions are simultaneously true.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27804 – 14.22.3.336

BN – Z – DK

Although the Overself does not pass through the diverse experiences of its imperfect image, the ego, nevertheless it witnesses them. Although it is aware of the pain and pleasure experienced by the body which it is animating, it does not itself feel them; although detached from physical sensations, it is not ignorant of them. On the other hand, the personal consciousness does feel them because it regards them as states of its own self. Thus the Overself is conscious of our joys and sorrows without itself sharing them. It is aware of our sense-experience without itself being physically sentient. Those who wonder how this is possible should reflect that a man awakened from a nightmare is aware once again in the form of a revived memory of what he suffered and what he sensed but yet does not share again either the suffering or the sensations.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27805 – 14.22.3.337

BN – Z – DEK

The Overself perceives and knows the individual self, but only as an imperturbable witness—in the same way that the sun witnesses the various objects upon the earth but does not enter into a particular relation with a particular object. So too the Overself is present in each individual self as the witness and as the unchanging consciousness which gives consciousness to the individual.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27806 – 14.22.3.338

BN – X – DEK

The "I" is immeasurably greater than the ego which it projects or than the intellect, which the ego uses.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27807 – 14.22.3.339

BN – Z – D

The normal man thinks he is body plus mind, with emphasis on the body. But self-questioning and analysis show that, although he certainly has these two things and is certainly associated with them, the "I" is in fact neither of them. It is, by contrast, not changing and quite elusive. It is not in space, as the body is, nor in time, as the mind is. It is, in fact, a mystery. The attempt to find out what it is brings up the questions of existence, life, activity, and consciousness.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27808 – 14.22.3.340

BN – Z – DEK

All that anyone basically possesses unlost through all his life is his "I." All that he really is, is this same "I." The physical body, although seemingly inseparable from it, is something lived in and used, as a house is lived in and a tool is used.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27809 – 14.22.3.341

BN – Z – D

To look at a man and at his life from the outside is only to see half the man. To look at them from the inside is to see the other half. Put these two fragments together and there is the whole man. Or so it would seem. But what if behind his thoughts and feelings there were still another self of an utterly different kind and quality? And this exactly is his situation. He does not know all of himself, and he understands it even less. Those who have been privileged to look behind the veil can only urge him to recognize this incompleteness and teach him what steps to take to overcome it.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27810 – 14.22.3.342

BN – X – D

The divine soul in us is utterly above and unaffected by the sense impressions. If we become conscious of it, we also become conscious of a supersensual order of existence.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27811 – 14.22.3.343

BN – Z – D

It is a higher self not only in a moral sense but also in a cosmic sense. For the lower one issued forth from it, but under limitations of consciousness, form, space, and time which are not in the parent Self.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27812 – 14.22.3.344

BN – Z – DK

When we come to see that it is the body alone that expresses the coming into life and the going into death, that in the true self there is neither a beginning nor an ending but rather LIFE itself, we shall see aright.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27813 – 14.22.3.345

B_01 – ZZ – DK

No men are without their sense of the Overself, but they miscomprehend and therefore misapply it. The result is that ego, the little part, is conceived to be the whole, the All.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27814 – 14.22.3.346

BN – Z – D

Because the godlike is in each one of us, and because no two of us are alike, each has his or her separate gifts, capacities, or talents to express. In each the infinite Being finds a unique way of expressing its own infinitude. Even if we have no gifts we have our individual characteristics.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27815 – 14.22.3.347

BN – Z

Here in the ego we may perceive a reproduction of the sacred Overself under the limitations of time and space. Whoever grasps this great truth knows henceforth that this Overself is no more distant from him than his own heart and that what he calls "I" is inseparably united with what men call God.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27817 – 14.22.3.349

BN – Z – D

We do not subscribe to the belief that the divine soul has somehow gone astray and got enslaved by the animal body.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27818 – 14.22.3.350

BN – X – DK

His higher self is not polluted by his own pollutions any more than sunlight is affected by the foul places in which it often shines.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27819 – 14.22.3.351

BN – Z – D

The higher self affects the ego but is not affected by it. Its existence goes on quite independently of the serialized earth appearances of the ego, and persists when the other ceases. The insensitive can never know it, and may roundly deny it, but the others sometimes receive unforgettable glimpses for which they give thanks to Allah for years afterwards.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27820 – 14.22.3.352

BN – Z – DEK

Just as space is unaffected equally by the evil deeds or virtuous actions of men, so the Overself is unaffected by the character or conduct of the ego. It is neither made worse by the ego's wrong-doing nor better by its righteousness.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27821 – 14.22.3.353

BN – Z – D

"I am the way, the Truth", announced Jesus. Who is this 'I'? In the narrow and shallower sense it is the master. In the broader and deeper sense, it is the Christ-self within, the spiritual consciousness.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27822 – 14.22.3.354

B_11 – P – D

Why did Jesus say, "I and my Father are one", but yet a little later add, "The Father is greater than I"? The answer is that Jesus the man had attained complete harmony with his higher Self and felt himself one with it, but the universal Christ-principle will always be greater than the man himself; the Overself will always transcend the person.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27823 – 14.22.3.355

B_11 – P – D

It is an entity greater, nobler, wiser, and stronger than himself yet mysteriously and inseparably linked to himself; it is indeed his super-self.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27825 – 14.22.3.357

BN – Z – D

Our bodies are born at some point of time and somewhere in space but their essence, the Overself, is birthless, timeless, and placeless.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27826 – 14.22.3.358

BN – ZZ – D

This is a man's true individuality, not that mentally constructed "I" (which deludes him into acceptance as such).

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27827 – 14.22.3.359

BN – Z

It is never anything else than its own perfect self, never contrary to its own unique and infinite nature.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27828 – 14.22.3.360

BN – X – DK

The personal pronoun "I" really represents the Overself, the divine part of man. What people usually refer to as "I"—the body or the intellect or the emotions—is not the basic "I" at all.  

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27830 – 14.22.3.362

UR_5 – ZZZ – DK

Just as there is a sun hidden behind the sun, the divinity which animates it, so in the human being there is a Mind within the mind—and that is his Overself.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27832 – 14.22.3.364

BA11 – P – D

Just as there is a sun hidden behind the sun, the divinity which animates it, so in the human being there is a Mind within the mind—and that is his Overself; It is forever with us simply because it is what we really are.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27832M – 14.22.3.364

BSG_4 – P – DX

The personality is always limited and chained, the higher individuality always infinite and free.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27833 – 14.22.3.365

BN – Z – D

Each man is the expression of this infinite life-power.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27834 – 14.22.3.366

BN – Z – D

His awareness of life in the five senses will rest upon another and inner awareness. A second and hidden self will thus seem to support his outer one.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27835 – 14.22.3.367

BN – Z

The true I yields quite a different feeling, experience, and consciousness from the familiar physical ego.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27836 – 14.22.3.368

BN – Z – DK

There is a deeper level of every man's mind which is not subject to his passions, not moved by his desires, not affected by his senses.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27837 – 14.22.3.369

BN – Z – D

It is not possible for the timeless, spaceless, formless Overself to be degraded into activity by its time-bound, space-tied, form-limited offspring the person.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27838 – 14.22.3.370

BN – Z

The essence of man is not his earthly body. Nor is it the ghostly duplicate of that body, as many spiritists and some religionists think.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27839 – 14.22.3.371

BN – Z

The Overself is the Higher Mind in human being, his divine soul as distinguished from his human-animal nature. It is the same as Plato's "Nous".

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27840 – 14.22.3.372

BSG_5 – P – D

The true unchanging self is apart from any historical era and is not dependent on outer changes of custom and form.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27841 – 14.22.3.373

BN – Z – D

The aim of the mystic is to know what he is, apart from his physical body, his lower emotion, his personal ego; it is to know his inner-most self. When this aim is successfully realized, he knows then with perfect certitude that he is a ray of the divine sun.

Inspiration and the Overself > The Overself's Presence > Overself and ego

#27842 – 14.22.3.374

BN – ZZ – D